A Fantastic Series: Call the Midwife, Season Two (2013) on DVD and Blu-Ray

Call the Midwife, Season Two
Release Date: June 18, 2013

Blu-ray/DVD Overview:
Based on the best-selling memoirs by Jennifer Worth, the critically acclaimed BBC series Call the Midwife, which TIME Magazine hails as, “gritty realism,”tells the fascinating story of Jenny Lee (Jessica Raine, Doctor Who, The Woman In Black), a young midwife in 1950s London's working class East End, as she provides the poorest women with the best possible care. This season continues to follow Jenny and the rest of the Poplar neighborhood’s exceptional midwives and nursing nuns as they face new challenges and traumas, including a strange woman dressed in rags, an abandoned baby, and the introduction of a new pain-killer, gas, which proves such a hit that all the women want some. A fascinating portrayal of birth, life, death and a community on the brink of huge social change, Call the Midwife offers a gripping insight into a way of life that is so drastically different from how we live now. Bonus Features include: 2012 Christmas Special, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

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Photo Credit: Laurence Cendrowicz,
Copyright Neal Street Productions
2012

My Thoughts:
After the introduction to the series last year, I didn't think it could be topped, but with it's sometimes gritty, always touching stories Call the Midwife, Season Two has proven the series has staying power. It's easy to see why Call the Midwife is so popular in the States and abroad. Stories of sisterly bonds among friends and the miracle of childbirth never get old.

Following the life of young midwife, Jenny Lee, this series is set barely a year following her arrival at Nonnatus House in London's East End. Judging by the title you may guess that this is a series about midwifery but it is so much more. From episode to episode, there are a variety of themes from poverty, to love to faith, family, and friendship. The stories have a nostalgic feel but each episode has themes that are relevant to this day. While there IS a lot pertaining to maternity care and nursing and the hardships that come with it, there's always an unflagging sense of hope.

Photo Credit: Laurence Cendrowicz,
Copyright Neal Street Productions
2012

Each of the characters, the nurses, the nuns, and the residents of the East End; have their own special charms which are brought to life by a fine cast including veteran actors Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris, and a personal favorite, Stephen McGann. Jessica Raine is a brilliant actress. It has been a joy to see what she brings to the role of Nurse Lee in each episode. She plays the competent, confident midwife well. She's evolved from the rather innocent and naive girl in season one. Having seen her in other brilliant roles outside of Call the Midwife (Doctor Who, etc.) she's fast becoming one of my favorite young actresses.

While the series centers around Jenny Lee, my favorite character by far is Camilla Cholomondley-Browne -- also known as Chummy. She provides brilliant comic relief. Kind of uncomfortable in her own skin in the first season, it's lovely to see her come out of her shell and bloom while still keeping her ever present sense of humor. Actress Miranda Hart truly brings Chummy to life in all the best ways. For Chummy, this second series represents more than just a changes that affect her life and Constable Noakes's life but also huge changes for all at Nonnatus House. There was more than a couple romances that unfolded, one being a total shock! Since I'm such a hopeless romantic, it did my heart good to see all the love in the air.

Photo Credit:
Laurence Cendrowicz,
Copyright Neal Street Productions
2012

There is so much more to this series than I ever expected. It's drama, it's heartache but also about laughter and finding one's true calling. All in all, this series is unbeatable and refreshing in every way. With three additional episodes, including a Christmas special, up from last years six episode tally, this series is sure to please fans of the show and hopefully bring new fans on board. If you enjoy "extras", the Blu-ray and DVDs feature fun cast interviews and stories about how the series came to be and the best part -- 10 additional minutes per episode that didn't air in the US! This series is a must own for British TV fans and anyone looking for a superb, feel-good show to add to their DVD collection.

Season Two Preview:

Watch Season 2 Preview on PBS. See more from Call the Midwife.

Call the Midwife, Season Two is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from the BBC America Shop online and other stores.

~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ~

Love!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/publicist for review purposes. I received no compensation. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*